Wednesday night at Herman Laird Park in Shawnee kicks off the KC area cyclocross clinics, which include a special session just for women. Don't miss these essentials. Lawrence goes into the second week of their 'cross clinics: details here.

The kickoff race of the area is in Hermann, MO on Sept. 20th. The fields are full and should make some exciting racing.

The metro area's season begins on Sunday Sept. 28th in Lenexa with the Diamond Blackfan Challenge. An all new venue with rolling features and sand. This will be the first event of the six race DeStad Cyclocross Van Kansas Series. And even though many riders are looking at knobby tire courses this time of year, there's an opportunity for the Masters and Juniors to roll around Leavenworth for the Kansas Criterium Champs the day before. A great tuneup!

The area also gets a fresh series this year: Series 60 Cyclocross. Six races have banded together promising some familar classics and fresh venues, lots of fun, beer and prizes. The participating races are: Grand Prix HPT, Capital Cup, Boulevard Cup, 'Cross Out The Old Year (New Year's Eve!), Epic Holiday Cyclocross and The Grote Prijs Shawnee. Watch for the website in the next few days.

And don't forget, Cyclocross Nationals registration opens on September 15th. All new venue at Tiffany Springs Park.